From correspondents in Beirut, Lebanon, 11:30 AM IST

Israeli planes violated Lebanese airspace and dumped green balloons over the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanese security sources said.

Lebanese troops cordoned off the area around the coast of Tyre Saturday and prevented people from touching the 'suspicious balloons' after reports indicated that some people were poisoned when they did.

According to sources, similar green balloons were dropped over the market town of Nabatiyeh, 54 km south of here.

Five people suffering from nausea and dizziness were brought into hospital after they touched the 'suspicious green balloons', said a hospital source.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)